Saint Meletios of Antioch Greek Orthodox Icon

Important Timing Note: These are handcrafted icons from Greece. Average turnaround time is 4 weeks. Please allow 2-6 weeks for delivery. If you are in a rush for the icon, please do not order this handmade item.

~~~

The icon reproductions are created by iconographer monks of various Greek Orthodox monasteries in Greece and all images are approved replications by the Greek Orthodox Church. As icons are considered to be the Gospel in image, these images are accurate and true Orthodox renderings, not second-hand interpretations.

These icon reproductions are prepared in the traditional Orthodox style: a fine detailed image is mounted on solid wood. The mounted image is covered with shellac to provide the luster of a traditional byzantine icon. The icon is then covered with multiple layers of varnish to coat the image with a protective layer that shields the colors from fading and protects from humidity. This Icon also has a hook on the back enabling it to be hung on walls. 

These icons are a true Orthodox image approved by the Eastern Orthodox Archdiocese.

Iconographer: Holy Monastery of St. Meletios

Commemorates on: February 12

This holy Father, who was from Melitene of Armenia, was a blameless man, just, reverent, sincere, and most gentle. Consecrated Bishop of Sebastia in 357, he was later banished from his throne and departed for Beroea of Syria (this is the present-day Aleppo). After the Arian bishop of Antioch had been deposed, the Orthodox and the Arians each strove to have a man of like mind with themselves become the next Bishop of Antioch. Meletius was highly esteemed by all, and since the Arians believed him to share their own opinion, they had him raised to the throne of Antioch. As soon as he had taken the helm of the Church of Antioch, however, he began preaching the Sons consubstantiality with the Father. At this, the archdeacon, an Arian, put his hand over the bishop’s mouth; Meletius then extended three fingers towards the people, closed them, and extended one only, showing by signs the equality and unity of the Trinity. The embarrassed archdeacon then seized his hand, but released his mouth, and Meletius spoke out even more forcibly in defense of the Council of Nicaea. Shortly after, he was banished by the Arian Emperor Constantius, son of Saint Constantine the Great. After the passage of time, he was recalled to his throne, but was banished again the third time by Valens. It was Saint Meletius who ordained Saint John Chrysostom reader and deacon in Antioch. He lived until the Second Ecumenical Council in 381 (which was convoked against Mace-donius, Patriarch of Constantinople, the enemy of the Holy Spirit), over which he presided, being held in great honour as a zealot of the Faith and a venerable elder hierarch.